I promised myself I wouldn't be one of those mom's who talks, blogs, brags about her child constantly, but just bear with me for a minute while I take some time out to recognize Miss Claire and the adorable little person she is becoming. It seems almost daily, Claire is revealing herself to me. I am still putting my finger on who she is and the process is just delicious. It is exciting to learn new aspects of her personality layer by layer.What I know for sure...I know Claire lives her unabashed life without fear and without concern for what she looks like, smells like, how loud she is or how in place or out of place her babbling can be.
I know Claire likes people and wants to be around them. She does not struggle to be the center of attention. She is fine doing her own thing, but just likes people around her for the occasional treat share, secret smile and fleeting head rest. Conversely, she is also comfortable with moments of solitude. Nap time is always a treat because after Claire's nap you can usually hear her singing to herself for up to 15-30 minutes before she will finally call out, rather forcefully I may admit, "Ma!" or "Da!" (translation, "Make haste, I'm done entertaining myself.").
I know Claire is independent—at times, to my chagrin—as she suffers from zero separation anxiety (not always so good for a mama's ego). She decides what she will play with, what books she will read, what sounds she will make, who she will smile at, etc.
I know Claire is discerning. She has favorite books, favorite toys and favorite people.
I know Claire is at peace with the world. She approaches new situations serenely, with confidence she can tackle novel tasks. Claire has this incredible look of enlightenment she gets when she is mastering a new task, exploring a new object or seeing something for the first time. It is irresistible.
Best yet, I know Claire has accepted me fully as her mother. I wondered how I would figure out this whole mothering thing before Claire was born, but the coolest thing about it is she immediately decided I was up to the task, and so I somehow became what she needed.
I can't wait to learn even more about this little girl with so much self-assurance and freedom from self doubt and just hope some of it rubs off on me along the way.
21 comments:
I LOVE this picture. You should send it in to Ellen or AFV or something. So adorable! Don't you just love being a mom!
Worded so beautifully Tara. We need to get together to let our little ones catch up a little too. Isn't amazing to see their little personalities show themselves?... and the WEEKLY progression of development that is taking place? It's amazing, and I LOVE it!!!
I think you are doing a good job of step one in what I consider the secret to parenting. 1. Find out who God sent you. Don't try to mold your child into some preconceived idea of what they should be doing. It never works and only sets up battle zones. 2. Just love them. If you love enough and they feel accepted by you they will try to do your bidding on their own time schedule. I know this seems indulgent but I would have had a much easier time with some of my strong willed children if I had realized this.
What a great post, T. Brought a tear to my eye! Baby C is truly one-of-a-kind... but she does have some amazing parents to thank for her goodness. Can't wait to see her again! (Love the goggles pic, too! LOVE IT!)
I too promised I would never have a parent-brag blog. But sometimes? I just can't help myself.
Your little girl obviously has a lot of personality--I loved the goggles. My daughter (4) still wears hers constantly, and we can't bathe without them, EVER!
Such a great post, and Claire is a great girl...also love the goggles pic!
"she immediately decided I was up to the task, and so I somehow became what she needed"
Beautiful! What a perfect post.
I just love this post. Beautifully thought out and beautifully written. And I also LOVE this pic of Baby C...she is too cute for words.
... and then the grow up and get hairy legs, and big feet and are tall and smelly and messy and still give kisses goodnight.
... then the girl text-messages friends, and plays online games and races bicycles, but still wants to play cards and snuggle in bed for naps and talks a mile a minute and is getting so big.
It's good you're paying attention, Claire will be a teen before you know it.
What a cute picture. You know you only say those things before you have kids. Then when they get here and they totally make life worth living you can't help but brag about them. They are innocent, full of the spirit, full of Gods plan. My kids are everything to me and make me a better person (except for when I yell at them for losing their shoes- but those are my issues, not theirs). Why on this earth do you think I keep having more?
What an inspiriing post. It makes me want to go write abbi a letter just like it. Actually it really makes me want to steal your letter and put Abbi 's name anywhere it says Claire. :)
You forgot to mention that Claire loves soup.
I absolutely love this photo! If one is having doubts whether to have children, this is the perfect anecdote. The scary, crazy, beautiful part is they are all so unique.
although I am not with a child yet, i think it is perfectly okay to brag about your lil one. I actually adore kids, and often brag about my friend's cute one, or my nephews, etc.
I think Claire's personality reflects her parents' ability to let her be herself and to be strong.
As you know, if you provide her a safe base, she will always return, no matter how old she is. =)
i can't believe how dang cute my baby clair is, we need to see you soon. love ya!
Such a great post Tara-and C lives up to all your bragging-she is a doll and SO lucky to have you as her mom!! And that picture is priceless!
Let's be honest, that is the cutest picture! I think you have bragging rights to that little cutie, so brag away.
-Telly & Kristin
I love this post. It will be neat for you and her to look back on this, your early perceptions of her and your deep love for her.
I wish I could express myself so well. Being a mom is pretty incredible.
what a lovely writer you are. delightful
Brag away. I never promised myself I wouldn't be one of "'those" moms, but even if I had, when most of what you do during a day is watch your child grow, what else is as exciting to write about as your child? Other people don't have to read if it bothers them. And that picture really is adorable.
I love all your posts, but my favorites include pictures and info about Claire. Keep them coming!
what a sweet post. really inspiring too. and i know claire will love this too when she is older. you're really great at writing your thoughts.
thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment